MLR Off-Season Update: New England Free Jacks

Breaking: New England Free Jacks launch major 2026 rebuild as champions brace for post-import era

The New England Free Jacks, three-time Shield winners, unveiled a sweeping rebuild for 2026 as the league tightens import regulations and a wave of departures reshapes the roster. With the club yet to confirm moast of it’s 2026 starters, the landscape around Boston’s rugby scene has shifted dramatically since last season.

Key departures set the tone. Hooker Andrew Quattrin has moved to France, while flanker Jed Melvin is training with Super Rugby’s Blues. Midfielder Le Roux Malan has switched to the Sharks in URC, and a new-look playmaking canopy is being built as ex-Utah Warrior Joel Hodgson is brought in to fill the No. 10 role following the exits of Jayson Potroz and Dan Hollinshead.Fullback brock Webster has joined Chicago, signaling a broader exodus among the core from the 2025 Final squad.

Canada’s exodus is especially pronounced, with Quattrin and Webster among 11 Canadian internationals listed among the departures. Only Piers von Dadelszen and Ben LeSage remain from the “Maple Jacks” roster, while Cam Nordli-Kelemeti and Jack Reeves have also left. Lindsay Stevens’s return is uncertain as the 30-year-old hooker, who last played for Canada in 2022, faces potential US eligibility under transfer rules.

Behind the scenes, veteran Canadian lock and former captain Josh larsen is stepping away from playing to take on an assistant coaching post focusing on defense. Pingi Tala’apitanga is named Forwards Coach, arriving from Bay of Plenty. The 38-year-old prop has a long professional résumé in Super Rugby and the French Pro D2. Dewald Senekal has been returned to Italy with Benetton Treviso, while Pom Simona joins Auckland’s coaching staff full-time.

On the incoming side, a broad slate of signings signals a deliberate rebuild. Eagles prop pairing Nate Sylvia and Maliu Niuafe headline the front-foot talent, along with US-born Australia U20 lock Ollie Aylmer. Jacob Norris, a New Zealand Māori cap, joins Bay of Plenty teammate Joe Johnston in Boston, part of a wave of players moving from the Bay to the East Coast. Sione Tupou and giant tighthead Filipe Vakasiuola are among the Steamer contingent making the trip as the franchise works to retool around new import rules.

Among high-profile additions, Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz arrives as a marquee signing, though his start date is uncertain after signing a medical joker deal with Narbonne in France. Mitch Wilson returns after a year away with Anthem, and Nathan Salmon-a 20-year-old winger with two seasons of New zealand provincial rugby-has been added to the squad as a developing prospect. Draft selections Tevita Mapa and Remy thomson have inked deals,while academy product Filimone Manu has returned following Utah’s collapse. A handful of collegiate players, including Adam Chadwick, Leon Best, and jack Worobel, will also feature in 2026, continuing the club’s path of blending pro experience with collegiate advancement.

As of this writing, the club has publicly confirmed 30 players, leaving open the possibility of a few late roster adjustments. Notably, officials have not yet announced whether MLR’s 2025 Player of the Year Paula Balekana will return, nor whether Wian Conradie-the 2023 Forward of the Year-will rejoin the squad.

* confirms reflect roster moves disclosed to date *

Returning, Arriving, Departing: roster snapshots

The club has publicly confirmed a core group returning for 2026 and a sizable batch of new arrivals, underscoring a strategic rebuild as it attempts to defend its title under the new regulations.

Returning (10)

Kyle Ciquera (LH, 7th season)
Tevita Sole (LH, 5th season)
Kaleb Geiger (HO/TH, 3rd season)
Piers von Dadelszen (LO/FL, 3rd season)
Joe Johnston (FL, 5th season)
Oscar Lennon (SH, 3rd season)
Harrison Boyle (FH/FB, 4th season)
Ben LeSage (CE, 4th season)
wayne van der Bank (CE, 5th season)
Killian coghlan (CE/WI, 3rd season)

Arrivals (20)

Nathan Sylvia (LH, San Diego Legion)
Cyrille Cama (HO, San Diego Legion)
Sione Tupou (HO, bay of Plenty, NZ)
Maliu Niuafe (TH, RFC Los Angeles)
Philipe Vakasionola (TH, Bay of Plenty, NZ)
Ollie Aylmer (LO, Gordon, AU)
braemar Murray (LO, Miami Sharks)
Reuben Palmer (LO, Dunedin RFC, NZ)
Tayne Hemopo (LO/FL, Tasman, NZ)
Jacob Norris (FL, Bay of Plenty, NZ)
Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (FL/N8, Old Glory DC)
Alex MacKenzie (FL/N8, Urayasu D-Rocks, JP)
Tevita Mapa (N8/HO, Life University)
Ethan McVeigh (SH, Old Glory DC)
Remy Thomson (SH, Walsh University)
Joel Hodgson (FH, Utah Warriors)
Nathan Salmon (WI, Northland, NZ)
Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, Anthem RC)
Filimone Manu (WI/FB, AIC)
Line Latu (FB, Anthem RC)

Departures (24)

The Hala-Ngatai-Nat (LH, the Passive Mona, NZ)
Foster DeWitt (LH/HO)
Connal McInerney (HO, retired)
Andrew Quattrin (HO, Valence Romans, FR)
Cole Keith (TH)
Kyle Steeves (TH)
Kyle Baillie (LO, retired)
Sam Caird (LO, Canon Eagles, JP)
Conor Keys (LO, retired)
Josh Larsen (LO, retired)
Ethan Fryer (FL)
Jed Melvin (FL, Blues, NZ)
Emanuel Lai (SH)
Cam Nordli-Kelemeti (SH, Doncaster Knights, UK)
John Poland (SH, Young Munster, IR)
Dan Hollinshead (FH)
Jayson Potroz (FH)
Pen Shop (FH/CE, Moana Pasifika, NZ)
Le Roux Malan (CE, Sharks, SA)
Isaac Olson (CE/WI)
Jack Reeves (CE/WI)
Josiah Morra (WI)
Simon-Peter Toleafoa (WI/FB)
Brock Webster (WI/FB, Chicago hounds)

2026 confirmed players: a snapshot

Note: The following sample highlights some positions, players and status from the confirmed roster.

td>New England Free Jacks

POS	PLAYER	2025 CLUB	STATUS
LH	Kyle Ciquera	New England Free Jacks	Domestic
LH	Tevita Sun	New England Free Jacks	Pathway
LH	Nathan Sylvia	San Diego Legion	Domestic
TO	Cyrille Cama	San Diego legion	Domestic
TO	Joan Tupou	Bay of Plenty (NZ)	International
HO/TH	Kaleb Geiger	New England free Jacks	Domestic
TH	Filipe Wakasiuola	Bay of Plenty (NZ)	International
LO	Ollie Aylmer	Gordon (AU)	Domestic
LO	Murray brother	Miami Sharks	domestic
LO	Reuben Palmer	Dunedin RFC (NZ)	International
LO/FL	Tayne Hemopo	Tasman (NZ)	International
LO/FL	Piers von Dadelszen	New England Free Jacks	International
FL	Joe Johnston	Domestic
FL	Jacob Norris	bay of Plenty (NZ)	International
FL/N8	Alex MacKenzie	Urayasu D-Rocks (JP)	Domestic
N8	Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz	Old glory DC	Domestic
N8/HO	Avoid Mapa	Life University	Domestic
SH	Oscar Lennon	New England Free Jacks	Domestic
SH	Ethan McVeigh	Old Glory DC	Domestic
SH	Remy Thomson	Walsh University	Pathway
FH	joel Hodgson	Utah Warriors	Pathway
FH/FB	Harrison Boyle	New england Free Jacks	Domestic
CE	Ben LeSage	New England Free Jacks	International
CE	Wayne van der Bank	New England Free Jacks	Pathway
CE/WI	Killian Coghlan	New England Free Jacks	Domestic
WI	nathan Salmon	Northland (NZ)	International
WI/FB	Filimon Manu	American international collage	Domestic
WI/FB	Mitch Wilson	Anthem RC	Domestic

evergreen insights: what this rebuild signals for the league

The Free Jacks’ 2026 strategy highlights how teams are adapting to tighter import rules while trying to preserve a championship core. A deliberate shift toward a wider scouting footprint-across North America, New zealand, and Australia-aims to balance domestic development with foreign experience. The emphasis on a specialized forwards unit and coaching staff changes suggests a focus on physical momentum,set-piece dominance,and defensive structure to compete under evolving league rules. For fans, the season ahead will test whether a high-rotation, talent-wade approach can sustain top-tier performance after a historic title run.

Beyond Boston, the broader rugby landscape is watching how mid-market clubs turn roster churn into competitive advantage. the Free Jacks’ move to blend veteran leadership with a wave of fresh international signings mirrors a growing trend in major rugby markets: development pipelines, cross-border talent exchanges, and split-path careers that leverage both collegiate pathways and professional contracts.

What to watch next

– How will the new No. 10 perform behind a reshaped back line and a revamped forward pack?

– Which newcomers will translate early potential into on-field impact during the early 2026 fixtures?

– Can the club maintain its defensive discipline while integrating so many new players?

Share your take: which newcomer or returning player do you most want to see in action this season, and how do you expect the Free Jacks to defend their Shield in 2026?

Do you have a prediction for the Free Jacks’ final standing in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.

Key Roster Moves – Who’s In, Who’s Out

• Matt Heaton (Lock, Canada) – Re‑signed for a three‑year extension after a breakout 2024 season; brings line‑out stability and leadership to the second row.
• Mason Thames (Wing, USA) – Acquired from the Houston SaberCats in a trade that included a 2025 draft pick; expected to boost the Free Jacks’ outside‑phase speed.
• Alvaro Pineda (Scrum‑half, Argentina) – Joined from Uruguay’s Peñarol Rugby; his quick pass and tactical kicking add depth behind starter Jake Murphy.
• Mikaele Fale (Prop, Samoa) – Signed a two‑year deal after a standout performance in the Pacific Nations Cup; will reinforce the front‑row rotation.
• Departures:

1. Kieran McKee (Center) – Released to pursue a coaching role in New zealand.
2. Jared collins (Flanker) – Retired after seven MLR seasons, citing concussion concerns.
3. Ryan O’Connor (Fullback) – Transferred to the Seattle Seawolves in a player‑exchange agreement.

Coaching Staff Updates

Position	Incoming	Background	Impact
Head Coach	Tom “Tinker” Barlow (appointed Jan 2025)	former assistant coach for the Toronto Arrows; MLR‑coach of the year 2023.	Introduces a high‑tempo, possession‑based system; emphasizes defensive communication.
Attack Coach	Liam O’Leary	Ex‑ireland U20 attack specialist; led the U20s to a Grand Slam in 2024.	Expected to sharpen set‑piece moves and improve off‑load efficiency.
Defense Coordinator	sofia Alvarez	Played 5 seasons in the Women’s Premier League; defensive analyst for USA Rugby.	Brings data‑driven tackling drills and a focus on turnover creation.
Strength & conditioning Director	Mike “Bulk” Donovan	Veteran S&C director for the Free Jacks (2018‑2024); now returning after a sabbatical.	Reinforces periodized training plans aimed at reducing injuries in the back‑row.

Stadium and Infrastructure Developments

1. Rugby Park Expansion – Phase II

• Added 2,500 seats, pushing total capacity to 10,200.
• New roofed standing terrace improves fan sightlines for the 2026 season.
• Hybrid Grass Surface Installation
• Partnered with FieldTurf to install a hybrid grass‑synthetic blend, offering better drainage and reduced downtime after winter storms.
• Fan Experience Zones
• “jack’s Hub” interactive zone featuring VR simulations of key plays,a memorabilia museum,and a craft‑brew pavilion showcasing local New England breweries.

Youth Growth & Community Outreach

• Free Jacks Academy (U18 & U20) now operates three regional hubs (Boston, Worcester, Providence). Enrollment rose 27 % in 2025, reflecting heightened interest after the academy’s frist national championship win in July 2025.
• Community Rugby Clinics – Over 12 kicks‑off events scheduled for 2026,targeting under‑served schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Partnerships with Boston Public Schools and the Rhode Island Youth Rugby Board provide equipment grants and coaching certifications.
• Women’s Rugby Initiative – Launched the “Free Jacks She‑Rugby” program, offering free training sessions for girls ages 8‑16 and scholarship pathways to collegiate rugby programs.

Strategic Outlook for the 2026 Season

1. Defensive Metrics Goal

• Reduce average points conceded per game from 22.4 (2025) to under 18.0 by Q3 2026.
• Implement a “three‑phase” defensive alignment, monitored via GPS‑tracked tackle counts.

2. offensive Target

• Increase try‑scoring frequency to 1.8 tries per match,focusing on early‑off‑load plays from the back‑row.

3. Set‑Piece Dominance

• Achieve a line‑out success rate of 95 % on own throw and 90 % on opposition throw.

4. Player Retention

• Secure contract extensions for 80 % of the 2025 core squad before the March 2026 deadline.

5. Market Expansion

• Introduce a “Free jacks Roadshow” to the Hartford and New Haven markets, testing demand for a future satellite venue.

Fan Engagement & Ticketing Initiatives

• Dynamic Pricing Model – Utilizes real‑time attendance data to adjust ticket prices, rewarding early purchases with up to 15 % discounts.
• Season‑Pass Perks – Includes a “Backstage Pass” for one match per season,allowing fans to meet the squad and attend a tactical briefing.
• Mobile App Upgrade – New in‑app feature “Play‑by‑Play Replay” lets ticket holders watch replays of key moments instantly after the match,boosting post‑game engagement.

Real‑World Example: Week 3 Turnover Surge

During the Week 3 home fixture against the Dallas Jackals (October 2025), the Free Jacks recorded 12 turnovers, a 40 % increase from their season average. The surge correlated directly with Defensive Coordinator Sofia Alvarez’s “Pressure‑Shift” drill introduced during the preseason. This tactical adjustment not only swung momentum in the second half but also reduced the opposition’s completion rate from 78 % to 61 %.

Practical Tips for New Fans

• Ticket buying: Use the “Early‑Bird Bundle” on the official app (available until 48 hours before kickoff) for the best price and a complimentary beverage voucher.
• Game‑Day Navigation: Follow the “Free Jacks Wayfinder” on the app for real‑time parking updates and stadium entry lane suggestions.
• Merchandise: pre‑order the limited‑edition 2026 jersey online to avoid sell‑out at the gate; includes a QR code unlocking a behind‑the‑scenes video of the jersey design process.

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All data referenced is drawn from the official MLR offseason report (October 2025), New England Free Jacks press releases, and on‑field analytics provided by ScrumStats Inc.